“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins. MY honest review

“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins is a book that managed to surprise and captivate me in unexpected ways. As I reflect on this novel, I find myself compelled to delve deeper into its various aspects, from its characters to its intricate plot and the thought-provoking themes it explores.

At the heart of the story is Coriolanus Snow, a character who elicits mixed emotions from readers. On one hand, there are moments when I could relate to him, understanding the circumstances and pressures that shape his choices. On the other hand, there are actions he takes that I vehemently disagree with, and it’s this duality that makes him a fascinating character.

Coriolanus is driven by an unwavering desire to survive and ensure his family’s prosperity. In a world where hunger is a constant companion, where scarcity lurks around every corner, he learns early on the value of cunning and the importance of exploiting his strengths. The stark realities of his life mold him into a person who can navigate the treacherous waters of the Capitol and its ruthless society.

Yet, for all his cunning and calculated moves, Coriolanus is far from being a hero. He’s a multifaceted character, one who can’t be simply categorized as good or bad. His actions are deliberate, every decision weighed for its potential benefits or consequences. What struck me the most about Coriolanus is his willingness to allow himself to be manipulated by Dr. Gaul, the enigmatic scientist who exerts a sinister influence over him. Despite being aware of her manipulations, he chooses the path of least resistance, even when it means betraying his friends. This becomes a defining trait that ultimately shapes his destiny.

As the story unfolds, we witness Coriolanus’s transformation from a young, hungry boy with dreams of success to a man who will do whatever it takes to maintain his position. It’s a journey that includes his first intentional murder, a chilling moment that marks the beginning of his descent into cruelty.

Speaking of Dr. Gaul, she is a character who elicits nothing but disdain. Her lack of regard for life, her willingness to manipulate and use people as tools for her experiments, and her ruthlessness in achieving her goals paint her as a formidable antagonist. She possesses an eerie and calculating demeanor, reminiscent of Tilda Swinton’s character in “Snowpiercer,” which adds to the unsettling aura she casts over the narrative.

Lucy Gray Baird emerges as a character who stands in stark contrast to Coriolanus Snow. Her strength, resourcefulness, and courage in the face of adversity are qualities that I deeply admired. She is a survivor, and her journey forces her to make difficult choices, actions that she neither enjoys nor excuses. Lucy Gray is a character who lives with the harsh reality of her decisions, and this contrast between her and Coriolanus adds depth to the story.

The relationship between Coriolanus and Lucy Gray is central to the narrative. Their love story is passionate and intense, perhaps accelerated by the dire circumstances they find themselves in. In a world where death is a constant companion, where the Hunger Games loom over their lives, their connection serves as a beacon of hope. Coriolanus’s willingness to give Lucy Gray his mother’s compact, his most prized possession, speaks volumes about the depth of his feelings for her. However, their love story is far from conventional, and the events that transpire towards the end of the book leave readers in shock and disbelief.

Coriolanus’s relationship with Sejanus Plinth is another aspect of the story that raises questions about friendship and loyalty. While Sejanus considers Coriolanus his best friend and demonstrates unwavering trust and loyalty, the same cannot be said for Coriolanus. Their friendship is complex and multifaceted, with Coriolanus often prioritizing his own survival over loyalty to Sejanus. This dynamic between the two characters adds layers of complexity to the narrative.

Sejanus Plinth, in his own right, is a character who evokes both admiration and sympathy. His bravery, idealism, and compassion make him stand out in the ruthless world of the Capitol. However, his innocence and naivety ultimately lead to his downfall. He underestimates the power and cruelty of those around him, and this naivety becomes a fatal flaw.

The novel also delves into the overarching themes of power, survival, and morality. It presents a world where the lines between good and evil are blurred, where characters must make morally ambiguous choices to navigate a society that thrives on cruelty and manipulation. This moral ambiguity is a recurring theme, and it challenges readers to question the choices made by the characters, including Coriolanus Snow.

In conclusion, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is a book that defies expectations and offers readers a deep and thought-provoking narrative. It explores the complexities of its characters, their relationships, and the moral dilemmas they face in a world where survival is paramount. Suzanne Collins has crafted a story that keeps readers engaged, evoking a range of emotions from admiration to disdain. It is a tale of manipulation, ambition, and the harsh realities of a society where power is everything. For those who appreciate intricate storytelling and complex characters, this book is a must-read.

by Mujtaba_Mahmud